Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is accepting entries for the 2024 Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Program and Art Contest (JDS) for the state of Utah students K-12. Entries must be postmarked or hand delivered by March 1, 2024 to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, c/o Jill Shannon, 2155 West Forest ST, Brigham City, UT 84302.
For the last 30 years, JDS has engaged students from kindergarten to high school seniors in scientific and wildlife observation through the arts. This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents and learn about North American waterfowl and wetland habitats.
JDS provides an opportunity to connect youth with nature through science and art. The art- and science-based curriculum teaches wetland and waterfowl conservation. It encourages students to explore and discover the natural world. The program invites them to query biology and wildlife management principles and provides avenues for expression of their discoveries, which they can share with others.
Artwork is judged in four groups: Grades K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Three 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 16 honorable mention places are selected for each group. Each state selects a “best of show” winner from the 1st place winners, which then competes at the national level. The national winner’s artwork is made into a collector’s stamp sold all over the nation. The proceeds from the $5 stamp support conservation education.
Please remember these important contest criteria.
- Entries must be 9” x 12” and less than ¼” thick. Note: 9x12 is larger than your normal printer paper.
- Image layout must be horizontal.
- No signatures or borders.
- Artwork must be original.
- Scenes should depict North American Waterfowl in their natural habitat.
- Attach (tape) the signed entry form to the back of the entry.
- Please send entries to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, c/o Jill Shannon, 2155 West Forest Street, Brigham City, UT 84302.
Please see the 2023-2024 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program and Art Contest brochure for the complete contest criteria.
*Please note, as a pilot program in Utah, we are accepting originally created digital artwork this year; however, there are a few extra rules and notes for these types of entries.
- This is a Utah state level contest only. Entries cannot advance to the National Contest; thus, are ineligible for the scholarship.
- All students who produce digital artwork must provide references for their works. Please use the reference form provided for Groups 3 and 4.
- Include the computer program used to create the artwork on the entry form under Medium and Style Used.
- Artwork must be the student's own creation, not completely computer generated or Artificial Intelligence generated.
- Artwork must still be printable to the 9 inch by 12 inch contest standard for judging. PPI/DPI suggestion is 300.
Download and share these flyers with teachers and students.
Entry forms and reference forms can be found in English and Spanish at the link below.